Old Market residents are to hold a meeting next week to see what can be done to improve the area's red light district image.

Computer programmer Ches Chesney, 56, has organised it because he wants the area to move away from its "Porn Street" reputation.

Old Market, and West Street in particular, are home to a number of massage parlours, lap dancing clubs and a sex shop.

Mr Chesney's partner owns a flat above Twice as Nice, a massage parlour that was closed down for breaking planning rules after protests from residents, but then reopened two doors down under a different name.

He said: "The meeting is about improving Old Market's reputation. There is a certain stagnation in West Street in particular. We rent a flat out, we had a nice guy there who rang up one day to say 'I'm leaving at the weekend'.

"He said 'I've heard there's a brothel opening' and we lost a tenant. Another tenant said they didn't mind, moved in, and paid six months in advance. Within a week, having met the people downstairs, he said 'I'm sorry I'm moving out'.

"It was a shock and was a first-hand experience of the effect it can have. Suddenly we woke up. We want to see them closed down."

Mr Chesney said the meeting is invitation only and is being held in private to avoid any potential trouble.

His views support local traders who raised similar concerns about the area in the Evening Post last month.

Mr Chesney believes the area's reputation could be changed. He said: "I know the area has a red light reputation, but that comes from three or four businesses.

"There are 15 to 20 charities, it could easily have a reputation for that.

"It's a question of being more robust with the brothels, finding a way of letting Bristol know Old Market isn't just about that.

"It's a case of mistaken identity, like an adolescent who gets into trouble and then has to live with it for the rest of his life.

"We want to create a sense of village and community."

Councillor Brenda Hugill (Lab, Lawrence Hill) has been invited to Monday's meeting.

Cllr Hugill said the authority was gathering information ahead of taking action against one premises in West Street that has allegedly violated planning regulations.

She said: "We're hoping a tipping point has been reached where something will be done about the sex industry. It is an up-and- coming area, a lot of money has been spent on it. The whole demographic has been changed, there are more young people and families.

"Who wants to go to the surf shop, run by some lovely young men, when there is a massage parlour next door?

"I have suggested the Safer Bristol Partnership and the police are invited to the meeting, and we will be approaching all agencies to deal with this as a matter of urgency."